maccoi

I live in the San Gabriel Valley and I am looking to restore my 85 GSL-SE to be a daily driver and an occasional autocrosser. I need to have my engine rebuilt but I’m not sure if I want to do mods to it because I have to smog this sucker every two years. I will be getting poly bushings all around, new springs, shocks and not sure if I would go with new tie rod ends or go for the rack & pinion mod that I have read about here. I need to replace the power steering box also so I am leaning towards the r&p mod. I am also doing some interior work like restoring or replacing the plastic items, seats and carpet. I will be doing this in stages and the first one I am going to do is the engine and so I have a few questions:

-Is it realistic to think that I can have an engine rebuilt inlc mods for 1500 dollars?

-What engine mods can I do and still pass smog? – not worried about the visual inspection part of smog.

-I have read a few posts here and I am thinking of getting the work done at sidepex, is that a good choice or are there better?

Thank you in advance for your help

Siraniko

iTrader: (13)

1. yes, thats if everything is rebuildable such as good apex seals, rotor housings etc etc. so all you have to buy is the wet seal kit and labor.

2. Pretty much, just table port if you want to stay smog legal.

3. Good choice. Sidepex built my engines including my install. I sub-contract all the rebuilt to Sidepex. PM me if you need more info or help. otherwise, search Sidepex in the west forum

Snapshot

Both my street ported engines cost over 3K. But then I'm in GA. Also have no emission regs so anything goes. Would love to find an engine builder to do it for 1500 that turns out a strong product.

maccoi

Well I think I may have been a bit unrealistic on the cost of the rebuilt. I checked several places including the local place and it looks like it will be just under 3,000 to get it done. Ouch. What is included in the price is all new interior exterior gaskets, seals and labor. I need to additionally buy, if needed, any bearings and housings. They are recommending a new water pump also.

-Do you guys think just under 3,000 is a good price?

-They also requesting 1500 has a deposit, is that normal?

Thanks for the input so far.

Rotor13B

What's wrong with the motor?

maccoi

It has a small pinhole leak in the water jacket. The water gets in when the engine cools off and when I turn it on, sometimes, it runs really rough. Only when the water gets blown out then it actually runs nice and smooth. Having to add coolant once or twice a week is getting to me and also during cool and damp days it floods during cold start-ups. I bought the car five years ago and do not know if the engine has ever been rebuilt or replaced but my odometer has lots of miles on it, double century miles. I myself have put on around 100k miles.
I like driving this car it is a fun car to drive and I need it to be more reliable. I don’t want to take any chances at the water jacket blowing while I am going to work.

r0taryluv

Well as far as being reliable the SE 6port 13b is the most rugid motor in the first gen glass, but like any other 20 year old sports car it will need repairs. To be honest you have gotton the car ever FB(First Gen) owner is waiting to purchase, so to put the money in this car will not be a waste. You are driving a peice of history...the GSL-SE made Rx7s as we know them today. With the 135hp to the flywheel and the first fuel injected rotary engine build with a very good ignition system that doesnt need much upgrading for performance. As far as the best bang for your buck on performance upgrades the rotary tops them all. With a Cold Air Intake and a nice free flowing exhaust you just gained roughly 40% hp to the wheels. If you will not be doing any large upgrades like a turbo or a large porting job have them build it with all OEM gaskets, If you are going to do some hefty upgrades to her then use the 85 3mm apex seals and use 93 corner and side seals for durablity. I might have went into to much detail but I just want to point out what you have to reflect more that you are not wasting your time or money here.

Rotor13B

I see, You know you could ask rotaryresurrection about a rebuild, Rumor has it he does good work.

maccoi

Thanks for your advice guys, they have been helpful. r0taryluv I like this car alot, enough that I don't mind driving it during my stop and go 45 min commute everymorning, it's actually fun. I don't mind spending the money but I don't want to pay more than a fair price.
I have looked at rotaryresurrection but they are to far away and I don't want the down time. For logistic reasons I need to stay in socal.